Association Between Pet Ownership and Incident Dementia: A Systematic Review

This systematic review investigates the association between pet ownership and the incidence of dementia, aiming to clarify whether owning pets, particularly dogs, can contribute to cognitive health and reduce dementia risk. While the evidence is mixed, with some studies suggesting a protective effect of dog ownership and related activities on cognitive decline, others found no significant association. The authors conclude that the type of pets and specific behaviors associated with pet ownership may play a more crucial role than ownership alone.